Don’t Lock Us Away

Don’t Lock Us Away calls for the closure of secure hospitals and the provision of appropriate support and housing for people with learning disabilities.

We are disgusted at the continued news reports of people with learning disabilities being bullied, neglected and trapped in long stay hospitals.

The BBC reported in 2021 that 2,000 people with a learning disability were in Assessment and Treatment Units, with 100 individuals having been there for over 20 years.

We think people with learning disabilities and autism should have the right support to live in the community – not be locked away in hospitals that are only meant for short-term care!

Our Campaign Champion Pam says “we need to make sure everyone gets the right help at home day to day. Then when they need it, they can get mental health support either where they live or as close to their home as possible”.

The Next Steps

We are asking the government to:

  1. Fund a new national supported living service, so people always have good homes.

2. Make sure advocacy services provide peer support for people in hospital.

3. Reform the Mental Health Act.

How can you support the Don’t Lock Us Away campaign?

You can show your support for our campaign by signing up here.

Communication Preferences

Download our resources

MLMC has worked with the British Institute of Human Rights to create a guide that will support people to get home from hospital.

Download your free copy here:

MLMC is also a leading member of the national ‘Get People Home From Psychiatric Hospital’ network with Inclusion London.

We want everyone to support the network’s new manifesto for 2024.

For more information, please contact James by calling 01865 204214 or by emailing james@mylifemychoice.org.uk

Our Current Campaigns:

Past Campaigns: